Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Businesses

Last Updated 5/19/2020

​New York Forward: Reopening New York

https://forward.ny.gov/

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance/Loan

for Farms Only has reopened.

The re-opening of the portal is for agricultural businesses that were previously ineligible for the program. New non-agricultural business applications will not be accepted.The portal will be opened for a limited period, and it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.

County Businesses that remain open may be found at www.washingtoncounty.funThis list will be updated frequently. Please reach out to us if you are a business and would like to be added to the directory. Information about other resources that may be able to assist your business during these challenging times may be found below.

Contact for Economic Development Director Laura Oswald
loswald@washingtoncountyny.gov (518)746-2291Although the County Municipal Center is currently closed, we will make every effort to assist.
Please contact me by email, or phone. A phone call will generate an email message.

State Resources

Empire State Development - Guidance for NYS Businesses related to COVID-19

As New York State continually monitors and responds to developments related to COVID-19, Empire State Development (ESD)is providing up-to-date guidance for the agency’s partners and other stakeholders impacted by the virus. This is a rapidly changing situation and ESD will be updating the resources below to reflect the latest information available. ESD has created this detailed FAQ to answer immediate questions businesses may have regarding State regulations and general guidance related to the coronavirus. Submit your COVID-19 related business questions here.

New York State Department of Labor - Guidance for NYS Businesses related to COVID-19

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.

If you are filing a new unemployment insurance claim, the day you should file is based on the first letter of your last name. If your last name starts with A – F, file your claim on Monday. For last names starting with G – N, file your claim Tuesday. For last names starting with O – Z, file your claim on Wednesday. If you missed your filing day, file your claim on Thursday or Friday. Filing later in the week will not delay your payments or affect the date of your claim, since all claims are effective on the Monday of the week in which they are filed

New York Attorney GeneralCOVID-19 Application for the Suspension of Debt Collection Activity

This application is for persons or businesses that owe (non-medical and non-student*) debts to the State of New York that have been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for collection and litigation. Any such person or business, or their dependents, that have been financially impacted by COVID-19, or the international, national, and state responses designed to prevent its spread, may complete and submit this application to be considered for certain forms of relief, including relief from collection activity, interest accrual, and the assessment of collection fees. Click here for details.

U.S. Small Business Administration Resources for Businesses Impacted By Covid-19 SBA Hotline 1-800-659-2955

Low Interest LoansThe U.S. Small Business Administration is working directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus. The SBA’ Website offers up to date low interest loan guidance SBA Loan Program Comparison Chart (Click Image to Download - 4 Pages)

New York State Department of Labor (NSDOL)NYSDOL is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.

Workforce and Industries

Our largely rural communities boast a stable workforce of about 32,000. Supported by the many nearby institutions of higher learning our workforce is a significant asset to our businesses. The county is home to many manufacturers of a diverse array of products such as paper and wood products, furniture, jewelry, masonry, medical devices, batteries, industrial fabrication and much, much more. Service industries are also significant; businesses serving the healthcare and agricultural industries in particular are a powerful force. The county also boasts several strong and growing industry clusters, such as paper, machining, agriculture and stone quarrying.

Entrepreneurial Focus

We are one of the most entrepreneurial counties in the State of New York. Close to 10% of our workforce is self-employed, a rate which is more than 3.5% higher than the state average. Businesses that start here, stay here.

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Final Broadband and Cell Existing Conditions Report (PDF)

In order for our communities to thrive, tools are needed to support and expand our business climate, maintain safe communities, support the flourishing arts and cultural resources, increase access to excellent schools, and provide ease of access to farm fresh foods and shopping experiences in our historic villages. In today’s complex world, the tools available to make us thrive are driven by connectivity and broadband.View Final Broadband and Cell Existing Conditions Report (PDF)